Texas

The immensity and wide range of landforms of Texas contribute to the variety of experiences found when visiting the state’s rivers. East Texas rivers, characterized by jungle-like climate, pine-covered banks, and slow-moving currents, often provide a serene recreational experience. In comparison, central Texas rivers and streams have steeper gradients, are cut through hilly terrain, and often have stretches of white water. These waterways offer a more exciting type of recreational experience for the adventurous. Finally, the rivers in west Texas traverse extremely arid country with high bluffs and great canyons often providing true “wilderness” experiences. With more than 3,700 named streams, 15 major rivers, and some 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline along the Gulf Coast, Texas offers unlimited possibilities for paddling adventures and angling opportunities of all types.

Texas has approximately 184,797 miles of river, of which 191.2 miles are designated as wild and scenic—1/10th of 1% of the state’s river miles.